AHDB REPORTS: Cattle prices continue to rally

Deadweight cattle prices continued to show an uplift after the sharp declines experienced throughout July. In the week ended 25 August the GB all prime average rose by 4.36p to finish the week on 361.78p/kg. The current price is 5.3p above the five-year average, but still around 10p below the 2017 price in late August.

Steer and heifer prices recorded increases much in line with all prime animals. Overall steer prices were up by 4.9p on the week to average 363.6p/kg. Meanwhile overall heifer prices showed a more modest increase, gaining 2.6p compared to the previous week to stand at 363.5p/kg. R4L steer prices also recorded increases on the week, up 4.5p to measure 376.1p/kg. The difference between R4L steers and overall steers has narrowed as producers catch up slightly with feed requirements and there is now less pressure to send cattle that are under finished.

Estimated prime cattle slaughterings were down by 5% (-1,500 head) compared to the same week last year to total 29,200 head, although slightly higher than last week. This agrees with industry reports that some buyers are seemingly short of finished cattle, as some producers opt to hold onto stock in the hope prices will lift.